Recap

Three schoolboys pass by an old farm, and the owner, Old Man Hawkins, calls them over. Two of the boys, Jason and Dan, dare Chris to come over. He reluctantly does so and Old Man Hawkins asks if he’s afraid. Chris insists that he doesn’t, and Old Man Hawkins suggests he go to an oak tree in a field, walk ten paces and dig down four feet. He assures Chris that he’ll find a great big surprise there. The old man cackles and Chris runs off to tell his friends...

Based on the short story "Big Surprise" (also called "What Was in the Box") by Richard Matheson. The story was first published in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine (April 1959).

Episode Quotes

Host: Our painting reminds us that there’s a strange fascination with digging holes along side ancient oaks. You give the average man a shovel and an “X” on a map and the fantasies come thick and fast. Pirate gold, hidden Confederate treasure and sometimes the unexpected, and sometimes the unwelcome. Hence the title, Big Surprise.